Considering Divorce? Here’s the First Thing You Need to Do

Is your marriage rocky? Do you feel unhappy? Even before you officially decide to file for divorce or legal separation, you need to speak to a divorce lawyer.

Consulting a divorce lawyer does not necessarily mean that you are going to get a divorce. But, you want to be informed about your options before you take any action.

There are a few very important reasons to meet with a divorce lawyer, and you want to be prepared for the consultation by bringing a list of questions, concerns, and goals to go over with the attorney. The lawyer can walk you through the different paths you can take towards divorce. For example, there is mediation, negotiation, uncontested divorces, contested divorces, and even trial if a couple is not able to agree.

If you have children, you will also want to know what child custody and child support will look like. Your attorney will help you run the numbers to get a better idea of child support and child custody arrangements if you choose to file for divorce.

In general, meeting with a divorce lawyer will give you peace of mind. Not knowing the process or what to expect can be extremely stressful. Even if you don’t end up going through with the divorce, you should feel peace of mind knowing that an experienced divorce attorney would potentially be on your side, advocating for your rights.

For the consultation, you should not only bring a list of questions, concerns, and goals. You should also bring any financial documents that will help the attorney get a better understanding of your financial situation.

During a divorce, one of the first things you will do is fill out your Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure. To fill this out accurately, you will need to gather a plethora of financial documents relating to your income, assets and debts. It is a good idea to start gathering these documents and organizing yourself financially as soon as possible, even before you file for divorce.

Also, keep in mind, even if you and your spouse want to work on the divorce together, you will not be able to meet with the same attorney. A divorce attorney only represents one party, and even speaking to the other side about the case is considered a conflict of interest. However, there are mediators who can work with you and your spouse to help you come to an agreement.

Many attorneys charge for the consultation, so make sure you know the cost beforehand. Many attorneys also offer complimentary consultations. You will also want to ask about the retainer fee and hourly rate should you choose to hire the attorney.

San Diego Divorce Attorneys You Can Trust
Call the top San Diego divorce lawyers at The Law Office of Doppelt and Forney, APLC to schedule your free consultation. You need an experienced divorce attorney on your side, fighting for your best interests. We serve clients throughout San Diego including Encinitas, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad, Rancho Bernardo, Poway and neighboring communities.
Posted in: Attorney’s Fees and Family